Tuesday, September 23, 2008

eHosting DataFort Achieves ISO 27001

Region's Leading Service Provider Enhances Customer Confidence by Implementing International Security Standard Across Business Units

Dubai: 23 September, 2008 - eHosting DataFort (EHDF), the region's leading IT outsourcing service and consulting services provider and a member of TECOM Investments, today announced its internal business units have successfully implemented the ISO 27001 Information Security Management System (ISMS), an international standard for addressing information security concerns.

The decision to implement the management system across all departments including its Data Centres and security operations confirms eHosting Datafort's continual commitment towards its customers by improving the security of business information, making it the first ever service provider in the region and among a select few worldwide to implement such a system throughout the organization.

Implementing ISO 27001 comes as part of eHosting DataFort's certification process in establishing a Corporate Governance and Management System (CGMS) program which includes a host of international standard certifications including the ISO 20000, ISO 9000 and BS 25999. These certifications will be effective across business units at eHosting DataFort shortly.

Mohamed Fouz, CEO of eHosting DataFort, said: "Information security is a critical component of our business. Protecting business information through a robust security management system using effective security controls is a key management responsibility."

eHosting DataFort's initiative comes as a proactive response to providing customers a more agile and secure infrastructure through establishing the Corporate Governance and Management System program, considering the recent security breaches that have affected businesses across the region.

"Implementing ISO 27001 and complying with international standards will enhance the customers overall confidence in eHosting DataFort," added Fouz.

Ahmed Baig, Manager, Security Consulting at eHosting DataFort, said: "Many organizations believe that securing their IT systems will guarantee the security of critical information. But as many organizations have realized, security breaches are the result of absence of governance including processes and controls. eHosting DataFort is not only committed to raising the level of security standards in the region, but also firmly believes in living up to its commitment of providing reliable and secure services to its customers."

eHosting DataFort's consulting team has also successfully implemented ISO 27001 at Dubai Aluminum Company (DUBAL), Kuwait National Petroleum Company (KNPC), and more recently, at the Emirates Identity Authority (EIDA).

Committed to promoting information security within the region, the team at eHosting DataFort manages a 24/7 Security Operation Centre for monitoring and managing the security of leading organizations across the MENA region.

In fact their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) objective focuses on spreading awareness of information security and technology amongst the community focusing on Schools, Universities and Government/Public sectors through the Marifaty (My Knowledge) and Muthabara (Persistence) programmes.

eHosting DataFort offers consulting and advisory services in Information security, IT service management, business continuity and quality management systems.